Netflix announces new original Marco Polo series

Online content streamer Netflix has announced a new as-yet un-named series due for release late this year following the travels of explorer Marco Polo.

Following the success of two of its original series House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, Netflix will be looking to continue its run of critically acclaimed shows with a show based on the life of the famed Italian explorer as he travelled through 13th-century China or, as Netflix describes: “The famed explorer’s journey takes him to the centre of a brutal war in 13th-century China, a world replete with astonishing martial arts, sexual intrigue, political skulduggery and spectacular battles.”

If it sounds an awful lot like HBO’s Game of Thrones with added martial arts it shouldn’t surprise anyone to find that the nine-part series will include Dan Minahan, who has directed three episodes of the fantasy series. He will be on board as director and executive producer, joining creator and executive producer John Fusco, who has previously worked on shows like Young Guns and Hidalgo.

The Weinstein Company, whose films The Butler and Django Unchained have achieved acclaim, will produce the Marco Polo programme.

“With the glowing success of series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, it's clear that Netflix is breaking tremendous ground in the realm of streaming original content,” said Harvey Weinstein, co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company.

“We could not be more excited to partner with them on this project, along with the creative tour de force of John Fusco and his talented team.”